Tag Archives: South Pacific

Sarah P’s comments: A former PCC Library Director has asked me to post this position which is always a positive. I am including his helpful comments below. I would add that, having worked in the region (Marshall Islands), Palau is considered a ‘jewel in the crown’ and the diving is fantastic. However, what is really interesting is the opportunity to serve as both an academic and a public librarian. Yes, the salary is low by international standards but, with housing provided and two months off, it is very fair for the region.

David: Although an academic library in name, the PCC Library is also a public library; it supports the public as well as the PCC academic community. People from the community visit the library because it has the largest collection in the country. In addition to college students, the library serves children at the end of their school day and older people who come daily to sit in the air conditioning and read the newspapers. The director position is an opportunity to participate hands-on in all aspects of library work–administration, acquisition and collection development, technical services, and public services.

The school administration does not mettle or micro-manage but appreciates a director who moves the library’s mission and goals forward. However, they are always there for suggestions and support. In Palau, it seems like you often don’t receive how-to information that you could use to navigate a particular situation until after the situation is over–however, rest assured that you’re then well armed for the next time it happens! The library staff is very experienced, with many of them having completed the associate’s degree in library science that is offered at PCC. They keep things sailing smoothly. They particularly look to the director to be the final decision maker, a “policeman” at times with the students, a negotiator on their behalf with the administration when necessary, and a library professional with a vision of the “big picture” and maybe a new approach or two. A major responsibility of the director is to prepare the library section of the accreditation self-study, which is due, I believe, every three years. (PCC is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in the United States.) This report isn’t as difficult as it sounds since there are examples to follow and the necessary statistics are collected regularly by the staff. Library funds are always a challenge; there is an annual grant, and the director is encouraged to creatively pursue other grant possibilities.

The school typically hires a librarian who holds a degree from an ALA-accredited program because this satisfies their accreditation requirements. Although the salary is low by many standards, it’s about 3 times the average salary in Palau. In addition to the salary, housing is provided, as well as a monthly stipend toward electricity costs, freeing up money for savings or new experiences.

Palau is a great mix of ocean beauty, ancient culture and traditions, and emerging country. Koror is a small community of a few thousand people, a mingling of Palauans, Filipinos, Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, and those of other nationalities. A group of islands in the western Pacific Ocean, Palau has average temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius (77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round. Although touted for its diving (and justifiably so!), Palau’s waters can equally be enjoyed through snorkeling, kayaking, swimming … or picnicking on the shore. Palau is not a beach paradise; most of its shorelines are covered in mangroves. But, there are beaches here and there around the islands.

My greatest dislikes: slow Internet … only two department stores. My greatest likes: friendships formed with locals as well as other expats from places I’d never even been … the amazing sunsets and starry skies.

Salary: $18,730- $33,262 PER ANNUM (depending on qualifications and work experience). Benefits include health and life insurance, 10/2 annual work schedule (10 months on and 2 months paid) off, and paid relocation expenses. Housing provided.

Summary of Description:

Palau Community College seeks an experienced librarian to manage and direct library services. PCC is located in the Republic of Palau in the Western Pacific region and is an accredited post-secondary vocational and academic institution serving all of Micronesia. PCC Library is an academic library serving the needs of Palau Community College students and supporting distance-learning programs at the bachelors and masters degree level. The Library also serves community patrons of all ages, functions as repository for international documents, and features a Micronesia Pacific special collection. The Library supports the PCC Library & Information Services Associates Degree programs. This position is a unique opportunity for an experienced librarian to share expertise in library services and to serve as a leader in Palau’s library community.

Examples of Duties consist, but are not limited to:

Provide professional library services to the College and its clients, including but not limited to: Assist individuals and groups in obtaining library materials; maintain and update the library’s circulating and reference collections with general and technical print resources, serial publications, multimedia resources and electronic resources. Manage collection development, including selecting and ordering, and new resources. Supervise and provide assistance in cataloging, indexing, and technical services. Communicate information and market library services to students, faculty, administration and the public. Plan and organize library activities, programs, instruction services, and special events. Prepare the library budget and manage allocated funds. Manage and expand grant programs. Direct and supervise all aspects of library services, staff, and activities. Develop reports and communicate library success and needs as appropriate. Train, supervise and provide support to a team of library technicians, assistants and student workers. Take an active role in supporting the Library & Information Services degree program and provide input for program activities and planning. Participate in College committees and engage in College functions and activities. Serve as a leader and role model to the local library community through the Palau Association of Libraries and librarian training activities. Perform other duties as directed by the College.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

A master’s in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program, or international equivalent; a minimum of two years of experience in an academic or public library, with one year of supervisory experience; must be able to work with a team, as a leader; must have the ability to supervise, motivate, and inspire co-workers; must have strong diplomatic and interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

A minimum of five years of experience in an academic or public library, with two years of supervisory experience; working knowledge of library administration, planning, and budget management; demonstrated success in library leadership; teaching and instruction experience preferred; grant writing and grant management experience highly valuable; Web development and computer troubleshooting skills an advantage; knowledge of Pacific cultures and familiarity with Pacific information resources a plus.

General information:

Application forms may be obtained from the Human Resources Office or at the college website: http://pcc.palau.edu/about/jobs/. Send completed application, resume and transcripts to: P.O. Box 9, Koror, PW 96940 (copies of transcripts will be sufficient during review process, but official transcripts and a recent police clearance will be required prior to any issued or offered contract). For further information, call 680-488-2470 x 227, or visit the HRD office on campus or email hr@palau.edu .

Sarah P’s comments: This job was last open in 2016 and 2015. When I lived in the region (Marshall Islands), USP was touted as the best college to work for. That still may be the case, but be careful to read the reviews and think about whether living and working in this area is for you. That is not to say that the South Pacific is better or worse than any other region in the world, just that every place has its challenges. I’m a sailor and ocean person, so I enjoyed my time but lack of AC can do a lot of people in…

The University of the South Pacific (USP) is a regional university, supported by 12 Pacific Island Countries, and is the premier provider of tertiary education in the Pacific region and an international centre of excellence for teaching, research and training on all aspects of Pacific culture, environment and human resource development needs. USP is seeking to recruit a well-qualified, experienced, and dynamic individual to join their management team. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with other library networks where s/he will constantly be challenged and developed in this critical role.

The Library Systems Manager will be based with the Main Library in Fiji and will be responsible for the Systems section of the network of libraries at USP. S/he will provide excellent leadership, support, and advice in all areas relating to the utilization and implementation of ICT in a regional and global context, in consultation with the USP Librarian and professional library staff. This is a unique opportunity to provide successful organisational results in line with the USP’s strategic goals. The Library Systems Manager will be responsible to:

Develop and implement strategies and policies that are aligned to the Library and USP’s Strategic Plan. The person we seek will have a Master’s Degree or higher qualification in Library Information Science from a recognized accrediting body or a Master’s Degree in Information Technology/Computer Science with preferably 8 years’ experience in a Library, post-qualification

Preference will be given to applicants with a combination of the stated qualifications. The successful applicant will also demonstrate the following:

Ability to analyse and resolve complex problems, set priorities, meet deadlines and work under pressure

Knowledge of and experience with the Spydus and other commercial and open-source integrated library systems and software

Knowledge of and experience with digital management systems e.g. Greenstone

Knowledge of LINUX, Javascript, Perl, HTML, XML, MS Office OS

Knowledge and experience with e-resource access and management services and Web Scale Discovery Service

Involvement with the local library associations and/or regional and international professional associations.

USP also contributes 10% of basic salary to an approved superannuation scheme, and provides airfare and relocation costs where appropriate. The position is available for a term of 3 years and may be renewed by mutual agreement.

Further Details:

Role descriptions and further details are available on the Maxumise Facebook page or www.maxumise.com/jobs

Contact: Sharlyn Singh +679 330 3137; info@maxumisefiji.com

How to Apply: For online submission, click on, or paste into your browser, the following URL: http://app.hrmonise.com/job/usp/LSManager or, Email applications with the subject “Library Systems Manager” to uspjobs@maxumisefiji.com

4.4.17 – Librarian
Laucala Campus, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji

Sarah P’s comments: When I lived in the region (Marshall Islands), USP was touted as the best college to work for. That still may be the case, but be careful to read the reviews and think about whether living and working in this area is for you. That is not to say that the South Pacific is better or worse than any other region in the world, just that every place has its challenges. I’m a sailor and ocean person, so I enjoyed my time but lack of AC can do a lot of people in…

The appointee will either be responsible for, or required to work as part of a team, in one or a combination of the following sections of the Library: the provision of library information services to meet the needs of students, faculty staff and general users in a flexible learning environment; acquisition of library materials; production of library publications and other products; training of staff; cataloguing and classification of library materials according to AACR2, the Library of Congress Classification and Subject Headings, and MARC21 in an online environment.

To be considered for this position, applicants must have:

A professional qualification/training recognised by an accrediting body such as the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA);

Relevant work experience in academic libraries;

Sound knowledge of current library technologies;

Working knowledge and experience in the use of AACR2 (and an understanding of RDA), LC Classification and Subject Headings, and MARC21;

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;

Appointees must be able to work evenings and during weekends.

For Appointment at Band 3, applicants must have a Master’s degree in Library Information Science and at least 6 years direct relevant post-qualification experience.

Preference will be given to applicants with experience in Information Literacy programmes; training library personnel at the paraprofessional level; dealing with library users in a multicultural environment; the provision of library services for flexible learning; and library management. Work experience and understanding of life in developing countries will be an added advantage.

Remuneration

The position is available for a term of 3 years and may be renewed by mutual agreement.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to use the University’s online E-Recruitment system to view full details and apply for this position at www.usprecruits.usp.ac.fj Candidates may request further information from the Human Resources Office; tel.: (679) 32 32072; email: hrhelp@usp.ac.fj or personnel@usp.ac.fj Manual applications are no longer accepted.

Please also include the following documents in your application: Cover letter and Resume clearly addressing key Selection Criteria, academic transcript and names of three referees, one of which must be your current or most recent direct work supervisor.

Sarah P’s comments: The Marshall Islands are where you should go if you want a funky, out-of-it experience. They are 5,000 miles far anywhere and you will face challenges such as an unmotivated local population, expensive electricity, and the one ATM machine running out of money on weekends.

This position was listed in Feb. 2015 as simply Librarian’ however, I corresponded with the person who applied and eventually secured, the position and know that she was supposed to do some grant-writing as well. I guess it worked because it is now advertised as three positions rolled into one. A lot of work but it is a small school.

My son attended this school while we worked at the college and it was the usual scenario – well-meaning teachers trying to make a difference in a challenging place. If you are interested in the South (really it’s North) Pacific then, with the right attitude, this could be a rewarding and unique experience despite some really irksome moments (we certainly found it so).

Majuro Cooperative School is a pre-K to 12th grade school located in Majuro, the capital city of the Marshall Islands. We are seeking adventurous teachers who are looking for a professionally challenging and rewarding teaching experience. This is a great opportunity for someone who would like to begin their career in the international teaching world.

Qualifications:

Flexible, able to work autonomously as well as take directions as needed

Ability to work with students and their families in a variety of capacities

Passionate, organized, collaborative, and flexible.

Strong communication and ability to build and maintain relationships with teachers, parents, students and the Coop School community

Bachelor’s degree required and teaching certification preferred

Start date: July 2017

Compensation:

We offer a compensation package based on a 2 year contract. Our compensation package includes: roundtrip airfare to and from your home at the beginning and end of your contract, pay based on experience, housing, and an electricity allowance. Please inquire for additional information regarding compensation.

Sarah P’s comments: Last year USP advertised (twice) for a Library Systems Manager for this campus. The general consensus is that if you want to go to the South Pacific, British-based USP is considered the best place to work for. Typically USF has short deadlines so if you are interested and the skills required, I would still get right on it.

Application Due: 02/26/2017

Salary: 115 248 to 124 592 FJD Per Year

The University of the South Pacific is one of only two regional universities in the world. We are the leading tertiary education provider and research facility in the South Pacific. The USP is owned and supported by 12 Pacific Island countries. We are committed to leaving a lasting legacy for all of these countries by developing their leaders of tomorrow. With a five-year strategic plan we have significant ambitions for the future and we need great talents and personalities to achieve them.

The Opportunity

The appointee will lead the formulation and implementation of progressive library policies, practices, initiatives and processes to support the University’s mission and goals and to meet the University’s vision and objectives. The University Librarian leads and manages library/information services, operations and resources across the University using both traditional and innovative technological means for information sharing and transfer in accordance with effective policies and procedures; manages and deploys the Library’s budget effectively and efficiently; recruits, manages and supervises high quality professional and support staff; provides education and training opportunities in the field of library and information science; provides study facilities that respond to new educational pedagogies and those which are ergonomic and conducive to student success; engages effectively to develop and build meaningful partnerships and networks with the University community and key external stakeholders in order to promote the interests of the Library and its staff within USP and the wider community.

The Person We Seek

To be considered for this position, applicants must have:

Master’s in Library/Information Science or equivalent from an accredited institution;

5 – 7 years’ extension experience and proven track record in an academic library in the areas of management, planning, budgeting, personnel an IT management;

Extensive experience in planning and implementing strategic goals and initiatives;

The ability to lead professional and support staff, analyse problems, implement solutions, plan and work with key stakeholders, implement new technologies;

Candidates are strongly encouraged to use the University’s online E-Recruitment system to view full details and apply for this position at www.usprecruits.usp.ac.fj Candidates may request further information from the Human Resources Office; tel.: (679) 32 32072; email: hrhelp@usp.ac.fj or personnel@usp.ac.fj Manual applications are no longer accepted.

Please also include the following documents in your application: Cover letter and Resume clearly addressing key Selection Criteria, academic transcript and names of three referees, one of which must be your current or most recent direct work supervisor.

Sarah P’s comments: If you want to go to the South Pacific, British-based USP is considered the best place to work for. Application deadline: 1.20.16.Living on Vanuatu

The appointee will be responsible for the overall management of the Emalus Campus Library (Port Vila, Vanuatu) and Centre libraries located in Vanuatu. She/he will be primarily responsible for the provision of library information services to meet the needs of on-campus and flexible education students, staff and general users in the area of law at the University of the South Pacific and will also be required to assist in the provision of library information services in other subject areas at the Emalus Campus Library.

The Senior Librarian (Emalus Campus) has significant administrative duties as the overall manager of the Emalus Campus Library. She/he is responsible for the daily operations of the library and supervision of library staff. As a member of the Emalus Campus Management Team, she/he meets regularly with other campus senior staff to address issues affecting the entire campus. In these meetings the appointee will represent and advocate for the library and its interests. The Senior Librarian (Emalus Campus) also reports to the USP Library Advisory Committee and participates in Senior Staff and Regional Libraries groups within the USP Library. The appointee may be asked to serve on other USP committees as well. As Liaison Librarian to the School of Law (SOL), the Senior Librarian will also attend SOL staff meetings, in particular the SOL Board of Studies.

The Senior Librarian (Emalus Campus) is primarily responsible for meeting the legal research and information needs of USP students and staff. She/he will provide information research skills instruction to USP law students on all campuses. This instruction may take the form of face-to-face training; online support such as videoconferencing or Skype; or printed research assistance materials. The Senior Librarian (Emalus Campus) should remain attentive to developing teaching methods and technologies and, where feasible, integrate them into legal information literacy materials. Information literacy training will also focus on using legal databases and best practices for searching and organising results. In addition to formal instruction the Senior Librarian (Emalus Campus) will offer regular hours at the Emalus campus library reference desk to assist students with ad hoc research questions. The Senior Librarian (Emalus Campus) will also make her/himself available to students via email and telephone.

The Person We Seek

To be considered for this position, applicants must have:

Master’s Degree in Librarianship/Information Studies recognized by an accrediting body such as the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), and at least 8 years post-qualification direct relevant experience in an academic library, including a minimum of 3 years in the area of law (for appointment at Band 4) or 6 years post-qualification direct relevant experience in an academic library, including a minimum of 3 years in the area of law (for appointment at Band 3)

Proven knowledge and experience in the provision of library services to distance and on-campus students and library users

Candidates are strongly encouraged to use the University’s online E-Recruitment system to view full details and apply for this position at www.usprecruits.usp.ac.fj Candidates may request further information from the Human Resources Office; tel.: (679) 32 32072; email: hrhelp@usp.ac.fj or personnel@usp.ac.fj Manual applications are no longer accepted.

Please also include the following documents in your application: Cover letter and Resume clearly addressing key Selection Criteria, academic transcript and names of three referees, one of which must be your current or most recent direct work supervisor.

Application Information

Contact:

Elizabeth Fong, tel.: +679 32 32363
Human Resources
The University of the South Pacific

Sarah P’s comments: This position is a re-post from 6.30.16 and was also listed in 8.4 ND 10.3 in 2015 (not sure if ever filled). If you want to go to the South Pacific, British-based USP is considered the best place to work for. Typically USF has short deadlines so if you are interested and the skills required, I would still get right on it.

Closing date for applications: 11 December 2016

The appointee will be responsible for the Systems section of the network of libraries at The USP. She/he will provide excellent leadership, support, and advice in all areas relating to the utilisation and implementation of ICT in a regional and global context, in consultation with the University Librarian and professional library staff. Areas include Library Management Systems, Internet and online services (including web and mobile technologies), Database development, Word processing, Desktop publishing, and Digitisation

The Person We Seek
To be considered for the position, applicants must have: A Master’s degree or a higher qualification in Library Information Science recognised by an accrediting body such as the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), or a Masters degree in Information Technology/Computer Science. They must also have

Ability to develop and implement strategies and policies; identify service developments; develop, implement and evaluate procedures, processes and systems; plan and manage projects, budgets and produce reports for the Library systems section aligned to the University Strategic Plan;

How to Apply
Candidates are strongly encouraged to use the University’s on-line E-Recruitment system to view full details and apply for this position at www.usprecruits.usp.ac.fj Candidates may request further information from the Human Resources Office; tel.: (679) 32 32072; email: hrhelp@usp.ac.fj or personnel@usp.ac.fj Manual applications are no longer accepted.

Please also include the following documents in your application: Cover letter and Resume clearly addressing key Selection Criteria, academic transcript and names of three referees, one of which must be your current or most recent direct work supervisor.